A Hightown cricketer was overwhelmed by the response he received from fellow members at a recent charity match, which raised over £1,500 for two cancer charities that have supported him during his battle with the disease.

Hightown and Crosby St Mary’s cricket clubs, who will amalgamate at the end of the season, played a 40 over game on Bank Holiday Monday in support of long-standing Hightown player, Russ Brennan, who was diagnosed with non-Hodgkins Lymphoma last year.

The money from the ‘Batting for Brennan’ match will be donated to two cancer charities, the R Charity, the official charity of the Royal Liverpool Hospital, and the Anthony Nolan Trust.

The game was played in coloured kit supplied by Total Cricket Solutions and resulted in a 36 run win for Hightown. Brennan himself made an appearance, scoring 13 runs and taking a wicket, having targeted the match as part of his recovery programme.

Russ commented: “I’d like to say a huge thank you to all the players, their families and friends that made the day a great success.

“A very emotional day for me as it was an opportunity to play a game I love with a special group of people who I am proud to call friends.

“Their fundraising efforts were fantastic and will help to make a difference for future patients requiring life-saving bone marrow transplant treatment via the outstanding team of people at the Anthony Nolan Trust and the Royal Liverpool Hospital bone marrow transplant unit.’’

Simon Trapnell, cricket chairman at Hightown, added: “It was truly heartwarming to see Russ back playing, after having fought such a courageous battle off the field. Despite the unseasonal weather, the day was a huge success and played in great spirit throughout.

“More importantly, we managed to raise an incredible sum of money to support two excellent causes, both of which have played a major part throughout Russ’s treatment and ongoing recovery.

“Huge thanks must also go to our two kit sponsors, Karen Parks estate agents and Eden Play, whose generosity helped us to push our final total even higher.”

During the day, proceeds from a number of food and drinks promotions contributed towards the funds and players were also encouraged to buy their own match shirts for £20. The raffle and auction included prizes from Carden Park golf club and Lancashire County Cricket Club and netted over £300.

After the game, Russ and his wife, Elaine, were also presented with a food and drink hamper, which was donated by the committees of both the clubs.